Quinnipiac Poll: Pa. Voters Support Same-Sex Marriage By A Small Margin

Quinnipiac-pollIn a recent poll released January 30th by Quinnipiac University regarding support for same-sex marriage among Pennsylvania voters, the results were closely divided but in favor 47% to 43%.

The poll surveyed a total of 1,221 registered Pennsylvania voters over a 5 day period by making calls to landlines and cellphones.  The surveyed produced results for Pennsylvania voters overall as well as demographic groups such as particular age groups or religions.

Women in Pennsylvania support same-sex marriage by a margin of ten (50% to 40%) while men are slightly opposed (46% to 44%).

The survey outcomes were generally split along party lines; Democrats showed strong support (65% to 27%), Independents demonstrated moderate support (51% to 38%), and Republicans opposed same-sex marriage (67% to 23%).

Quinnipiac also surveyed white Catholics and white Protestants who support and oppose same-sex marriage respectively (50% to 40%, 60% to 31%).

In keeping with national trends, the poll found that support for same-sex marriage was strongest among the age group 18 to 34 (68% to 25%), close among those 35 to 54 (48% to 41%), and weak among those aged 55 and over, who oppose it (52% to 39%).

Voters surveyed were also asked an open-ended question about what they feel is the most important question facing the state.  The economy was listed as the primary concern by 37% of those surveyed.  Education and taxes followed claiming 10% and 8% respectively, and the state budget and politicians claimed 7% each.

The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts public opinion surveys in various states as well as nationwide and is directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D.

Quinnipiac Poll: PA Voters Wary on Corbett’s Transportation Play


In the latest poll conducted by Quinnipiac, Pa. voters are uneasy over Gov. Tom Corbett’s new transportation tax plan.

The plan, which would remove the cap on the oil franchise tax and could generate up to $2 billion in needed revenue for transit, is largely divided amongst Pa. voters, with 45 percent supporting the measure and 47 percent opposing it. Tom-Corbett-upset-201x300

However, voters are concerned that eliminating the cap could place a tax burden on them, with 82 percent showing concern as opposed to only 18 percent who are not concerned.

Corbett’s plan is aimed at obtaining the necessary $2.5 billion for fixing damaged roads, bridges, as well as public transportation. While removing a tax cap doesn’t necessarily mean a raise in taxes, it’s clear that voters are concerned that additional taxes are on the way.

The poll was conducted from January 22-27, and surveyed 1,221 registered voters. There was  a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

Quinnipiac Poll: Obama, Democrats on Positive Ground in Pa

Pa. voters give positive marks to President Barack Obama on the second week of his second term, according to the latest survey from Quinnipiac.

51% said they approve the job he’s doing while 46% disapprove – about the same as it was 2 weeks after his re-election in Q-pac’s November survey.

Democrats and Republicans fall mostly on partisan lines, with about 90 percent approving Obama and vice versa for the GOP. But he’s got problems in the center: independent voters disapprove 52% to 42%.
121204_barack_obama_ap_605
The President also has a wide gender gap among men. While women approve his job performance 57% to 40%, men disapprove 53% to 44% – a total gap of 26 points.

The Democratic label itself is in positive territory in Pa., albeit barely. 43% said they had a favorable impression of the Democratic party and 42% said unfavorable. Independents were unfavorable 47% to 33%.

Respondents said they had a negative impression of the Republican party by a starker margin: 55% to 29%. They did worse with independents, who went negative 57% to 24%. And interestingly, the Republican party did much worse with Republican voters than the Democrats did.

21% of Republicans have an unfavorable impression of their own party, compared to just 7% of Democrats who felt unfavorably about theirs.

These numbers are from the second release by Quinnipiac from the same poll, conducted from Jan. 22 to 27 using live interviewers calling landlines. The margin of error for the survey of 1,221 registered voters is plus or minus 2.8%. Pa. polls that use registration numbers rather than algorithms based on likely voters tend to favor Democrats by a few points and disadvantage Republicans compared to election results.

1/30 Morning Buzz

TC shot glassCorbett will roll out his plan to privatize the state’s wine & spirits stores today. And more numbers from Quinnipiac will entice political junkies. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

Quinnipiac Poll: Pa. Voters Support Universal Background Checks 19 to 1: Pa. voters support universal background checks almost universally. The latest survey from Quinnipiac shows that there’s also healthy support for an assault weapons ban.

Quinnipiac Poll: Gender Gap Sinks Corbett Numbers: By a 30 point margin, Pa. women say Gov. Tom Corbett does not deserve a second term. His job approval numbers aren’t much better.

Wolf Says Guv Bid Likely: Businessman and former Pa. Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf says he’s likely to jump into the Democratic primary for Governor.

Barletta Slams Immigration Package: Pennsylvania’s fiercest critic of amnesty blasts a bipartisan package to reform immigration.

Statewide
AP: PA denies three new midstate cyber charter schools
AP: Court to weigh secrecy of PA turnpike lawyers
AP: PA labor chief says police are probing hotline problems
AP: Leading PA Senator skeptical of Governor Corbett’s pension strategy
AP: Two state agencies in dispute over health of the Susquehanna
State House Sound Bites: Poll: Corbett’s grim numbers get no bump from NCAA lawsuit
StateImpactPA: Post-Gazette: DEP Pulls Wastewater Permit
Capitolwire: Scarnati has questions about governor’s proposed pension reforms
Capitolwire: At mid-term, 51-31 against Corbett re-election, new Quinnipiac poll shows
Capitolwire: Pension reform, public education funding to be linked in Corbett budget

Philadelphia
AP: Pa. senator skeptical of Corbett pension strategy
Inquirer: Pa. voters disapprove of Gov. Corbett
Inquirer: High-powered testimony in ex-PHA chief’s lawsuit
Inquirer: Blondell’s ex-campaign chief loses city job
Daily News: Corbett: Good Bet/Bad Bet
PhillyClout: South Philly state Rep’s business partner indicted on tax charges
PhillyClout: Tuesday’s DN: Councilwoman Reynolds Brown admits to Ethics violations
PhillyClout: Councilwoman refuses to answer questions about campaign finance violations
PhillyClout: Political watchdog urges law enforcement to examine Councilwoman’s campaign finance violations
WHYY Newsworks: Gov. Corbett’s poll numbers are in a slump
Phillynow.com: Pa. Lawmakers Fight to Reform Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse

SEPA
Phillyburbs.com: Corbett administration blames drop in federal funding and old tech for unemployment busy signals
Phillyburbs.com: Corbett plan said to include wine, liquor and beer
Phillyburbs.com: State education secretary says Corbett’s budget has good news for schools
Phillyburbs.com: Pennde faces financial squeeze; seeks loan
Delco Daily Times: PA budget chief says pension reforms essential
Montgomery Media: Local legislators speak at League of Women Voters group

Pittsburgh
Tribune-Review: Corbett budgeting to train hundreds of new state troopers
Tribune-Review: Poll finds Corbett’s approval rate plummeting
Tribune-Review: Philadelphia group gets more time for Lawrence County casino plan
Tribune-Review: Top Senate Republican objects to linking funding in state budget
Tribune-Review: Pa. labor chief: Police probing jobless benefits hotline problems
Tribune-Review: Former revenue secretary Wolf ‘likely’ to challenge Corbett
Post-Gazette: Poll: Likely Pennsylvania voters disapprove of Corbett’s performance
Post-Gazette: Corbett’s budget to affect state employee pensions
Post-Gazette: Orie aide tells jury of work done for judicial sister
Post-Gazette: DEP pulls permit, to allow comment
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania withholds OKs for 8 cyber charter schools
Post-Gazette: Attorney for suspended Justice Orie Melvin highlights witness’ inconsistencies
Post-Gazette: Scarnati urges quick approval of transportation plan
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approves Ravenstahl’s property tax plan
Early Returns: Q poll: No strong Corbett support anywhere
Early Returns: Toomey no on Sandy relief; Casey yes
Early Returns: Corbett to unveil LCB plan
KDKA: DEP investigating Fly Ash Hauling
KDKA: Allegheny Co. homeowners have sticker shock over new property taxes
KDKA: Locals react to proposed immigration reform

Southwest
AP: Pa. Senate OKs task force on mass shootings
AP: PSU on pace in implementing Freeh recommendations
AP: Corbett plan said to include wine, liquor, and beer
AP: Pa. state agencies arguing over Susquehanna river
AP: Melvin defense targets authenticity of documents
AP: Rendell supports ex-Philly housing czar at trial
AP: Pennsylvania budget chief says pension reforms essential
AP: State labor chief: Police probing hotline problems
Beaver County Times: Rothfus unveils committee assignments

NEPA
Times-Leader: PA reactivating solar program
Times-Tribune: Changes due for future public pensioners
Citizens Voice: Scarnati “skeptical” of Corbett’s pension strategy
Pocono Record: Foreclosure counseling available in Monroe Co.
Pocono Record: All three Pocono Twp. supervisors approved as full-time employees
Pocono Record: Penn State on pace in implementing Freeh recommendations

Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania Ave: Toomey votes no on Sandy relief
Pennsylvania Ave: Lehigh Valley native, Capitol Hill staffer wins $100K on Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Pennsylvania Ave: Pa. judges to challenge mandatory retirement in state and federal courts
Pennsylvania Ave: Jammed up unemployment compensation hotline to improve, state official says
Morning Call: Brennan gets work release, trying to save government job
Morning Call: Joe Conti leaving the LCB, but not for long
Reading Eagle: Pa. budget chief says pension reforms essential
Reading Eagle: PennDOT efficiency drive could free up funds for roadwork
WFMZ: Local immigration lawyers praise President’s plan
WFMZ: Proposed immigration reform stirs local debate
Express Times: Upper Nazareth Township officials’ approval of retirement community reversed by judge
Express Times: Tony Bassil running for late Gay Elwell’s judge seat
Express Times: Freemansburg Avenue in Wilson Borough reopened following water line break, utility says – UPDATE

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland D.A. wants charged Carlisle tax collector removed
Carlisle Sentinel: First Lady Corbett visits Carlisle school
Patriot News: Scarnati to employ legislative move to stop online gaming in PA
Patriot News: Harrisburg Recover Officer: schools saddled with debt, student exodus to charters
Patriot News: State agencies sparring over Susquehanna River designation—again!
Patriot News: Steel State: map shows most of PA Steelers fans.
Conestoga Valley News: Guns now allowed in E. Lampeter parks
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: State Ed. Sec. hints at more money for public schools in Governor’s budget
Roxbury News: Forensic audit for Harrisburg schools
Roxbury News: 46% of Harrisburg’s funding comes from state
Roxbury News: Mayor vs. City Controller feud gets its day in court

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘13 Blog: Bizzarro to present award to Miss Pa.
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘13 Blog: Two more Erie lawyers announce candidacies in judge’s race
Centre Daily Times: 2 Pa. congressmen ask NCAA to end Penn State scholarship reductions
Centre Daily Times: State College school board OKs new teacher contract
Centre Daily Times: Penn State conducting controlled burns in Arboretum
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Legislator sour on labor law plan’s chances, defends effort to lure refinery
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Contractor sues River Valley Transit

Opinions
Post-Gazette: No reform: The Senate botches a chance to fix the filibuster
Post-Gazette: The U.S. in Mali: Creeping involvement must be debated in Congress
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Readers’ Forum 1-29 | It’s essential to retake our culture

Blogs
Watchdog Wire: Penn State scandal, and broken promises could lead to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s 2013 defeat
Jon Geeting: Two Questions for the Bethlehem Mayor Candidates
Jon Geeting: Northampton County Democrats Primary Open Thread
Jon Geeting: Dean Browning Will Challenge Scott Ott in the Republican Primary
John Hanger: Key Fact: Gas Royalty Checks Total $1.2 Billion in PA
John Hanger: An Economic Tale Of Two Shale Booms: Pennsylvania is Not North Dakota

Quinnipiac Poll: Pa. Voters Support Universal Background Checks 19 to 1

NRA logo

Respondents view the NRA unfavorably 35%-31%

If Pa. voters had their say today, three of President Obama’s top gun control priorities would become law.

According to the latest poll from Quinnipiac, Pa. has near-unanimous public support for universal background checks (95% to 5%) and healthy support for a ban on assault weapons (60% to 37%) and high capacity magazine clips (59% to 39%).

Respondents who identified as gun owners also supported universal background checks (95% to 4%) but opposed an assault weapons ban (51% to 45%) and magazine restrictions (57% to 41%).

All three are measures supported by Obama, who intensified his focus on gun violence in the wake of the December school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

As the number show however, universal background checks stand the strongest chance of success. A lengthy report this month by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Moriah Balingit detailed one example why: John Shick, the man who shot several people at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Oakland in March 2012, had navigated haphazard background check laws to obtain his guns.

57% of respondents said Pa. gun control laws should be stricter, 35% said they should remain as-is, and 4% said they should be less strict. 60% favored stricted federal gun control laws (and 32% the same, 5% less strict).

Asked, “Who do you trust more to make the right decisions about gun laws, the Republicans in Congress or President Obama?” respondents chose Obama 47% to 38%.

“Pennsylvanians join voters in Virginia and New Jersey, states where Quinnipiac University has found overwhelming support for background checks for every gun purchase,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Keystone State voters, especially voters in urban areas, seem to have had enough of gun violence. By large margins, voters don’t think assault weapons belong in the hands of any gun owner. Restrict the firepower of assault weapons or ban them entirely, Pennsylvanians say.”

The survey found 49 % of respondents believe gun ownership protects people from becoming victims of crime compared to 40% who said ownership puts people at risk. But that stops with semi-automatic assault rifles like that used in Newtown. 61% of respondents said those make the country more dangerous. Just 28% said they make the country safer.

The idea of having armed guards at schools would do more to reduce gun violence in schools than stricter 46% to 42%.

By a margin of 35% to 31%, respondents said they had an unfavorable impression of the National Rifle Association.

These numbers are the second release by Quinnipiac from the same survey, conducted from Jan. 22 to 27 using live interviewers calling landlines. The margin of error for the poll of 1,221 registered voters is plus or minus 2.8%. Pa. polls that use registration numbers rather than algorithms based on likely voters tend to favor Democrats by a few points and disadvantage Republicans compared to election results.

Yesterday’s release showed Gov. Tom Corbett’s re-election numbers in trouble driven by a wide gender gap.

Wolf Says Guv Bid Likely

Tom Wolf

Tom Wolf

Businessman and former Pa. Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf says he’s likely to jump into the Democratic primary for Governor.

“I will likely be running to seek the Democratic nomination for governor. I really want to run,” he told Salena Zito of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

“We could do so much better, and I think I bring a unique inside-outside perspective of having run a business, created jobs and also worked in government,” he said. But he won‘t run if “something convinces me that that is a fool‘s errand.”

Wolf, 63, presently owns and operates Wolf Industries, a building supplies wholesaler in York, Pa. He served as Revenue Secretary from 2006 to 2008 under Gov. Ed Rendell.

If he gets in, he’ll face one of his cabinet colleagues: former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger, who announced in December. Cumberland County pastor Max Meyers is in the race, too.

State Treasurer Rob McCord and former Congressman Joe Sestak headline the long list of other possible candidates.

On the GOP side, Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor has also floated a possible bid.

A series of bad poll numbers for Gov. Corbett – most recently today from Quinnipiac – has enticed several prospective challengers to consider a run.

Barletta Slams Immigration Package

Lou Barletta portrait

Rep. Lou Barletta

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) rose to national prominence based in large part on his reputation as a loud voice against illegal immigration while he was Mayor.

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Hazleton’s strictest-in-the-nation ordinances, which would have punished landlords renting to illegal immigrants.

(The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Court to reconsider the case in 2011).

And so it’s little surprise that he categorically rejected Monday’s overtures by Republicans in favor of an immigration bill that includes amnesty for the more than 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States.

“A path to citizenship is giving a green light to anyone who wants to come here illegally,” he said.

“This is an amnesty bill America won’t be able to afford,” he said of the proposal by 8 Senators – 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans. “Making illegal aliens legal will cost American taxpayers $2.6 trillion over 10 years.”

He cited a 2007 report by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank that put the cost of amnesty – including the tax revenue from now-legal residents – would be $2.6 trillion over ten years.

“So many illegal aliens are unskilled. 60 percent have no high school degree, so many would ultimately be dependent on social programs, welfare.”

Yet, today’s proposal has been called a bipartisan breakthrough. It involves border enforcement, employer enforcement, a reformed legal immigration system, and a path to citizenship for the 11  million undocumented immigrants already living within the United States.

It appears the legislative proposal may have been devised to guide President Obama on immigration reform. The policy blueprint is meant to represent the interests of both Democrats and Republicans and will serve as the basis for legislation that the Senators hope to formally introduce in March.

And for an issue as complex as immigration, compromise may be the key. Democratic Senator Bob Casey supports immigration reform.

“While he has just begun to review this latest proposal, he believes that any time you have Republicans and Democrats working across the aisle to come to a bipartisan consensus on a tough problem that is a positive development,” said Casey spokesman John Rizzi.

Senator Pat Toomey (R) is reserving judgment pending further details of the plan.

Republicans faced a stark reality in the aftermath of the 2012 election: they were losing latino voters big time. It’s the fast-growing segment of the population. As soon as the day after Barack Obama was re-elected, several prominent conservatives gave up the fight on the issue.

(Obama will unveil his own immigration proposal today, reportedly very similar to the Senators’.)

Barletta said his party was making a mistake.

“They’re wrong. I believe there’s a lot of support because this is an issue they want to go away. But it’s not that simple,” he said. “I don’t know how fiscal conservatives could support something that would add $2.6 trillion to the deficit.”

He argued that the solution to immigration begins with a way to track current undocumented residents, followed by border security and then mandatory e-verify.

1/29 Morning Buzz

state 1 0602 dcg 24000.jpgHaving a rough morning? Odds are you’re better off than Gov. Corbett. He starts the day with tough new poll numbers. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

Quinnipiac Poll: Gender Gap Sinks Corbett Numbers: By a 30 point margin, Pa. women say Gov. Tom Corbett does not deserve a second term. His job approval numbers aren’t much better.

Who Are PA’s Best Party Chairs? It takes a special breed of person to be a successful county party chair. We want to hear from you: who are the best of the best?

Murphy Not Running for Gov: Patrick Murphy is a veteran and former Congressman, but he won’t be a candidate for Governor in 2014.

Pa. Delegation’s Abortion Opponents Speak at March for Life: With 13 congressmen and two Senators, the number of members of Pennsylvania’s delegation who oppose abortion is the largest it’s been in years. Several of them spoke to rally-goers at the annual March for Life in DC on Friday.

Local Election Updates

Pittsburgh Mayoral: Mayor Ravenstahl has a new addition to his campaign team: Com Director Matt Harringer. He most recently worked as communications director on a congressional race in Florida. “Under Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s leadership, Pittsburgh has developed into one of America’s most livable cities,” Harringer said in a release. “I’m excited to join the mayor’s re-election campaign and communicate his vision for the city.”

Pittsburgh City Council: He’s back! Franco Dok Harris, 33, will challenge District 6 Councilman R. Daniel Lavalle. He ran as an indy for Mayor in 2009.

Statewide
PA Independent: Pension reform will likely target future benefits, Pa. budget chief says
StateImpactPA: Pa. DEP Secretary Rejects Calls for Greater Federal Protections for Susquehanna River
StateImpactPA: Ain’t Gonna Frack on Maggie’s Farm No More
Capitolwire: Pension reform, public education funding to be linked in Corbett budget
Capitolwire: OFF THE FLOOR: One mis-addressed envelope transforming Ethics Commission, brings Open Records court fight

Philadelphia
Philly.com: Public hearings to be held on unusual provisional ballot use
Inquirer: Property taxes to rise across Philadelphia suburbs
Inquirer: Activists gear up against planned Philadelphia school closings
PhillyClout: D.C. 47 suing Nutter administration over furlough changes
PhillyClout: Nutter seeks feedback from voters on Election Day experiences
PhillyClout: State Rep. O’Brien grills Nutter administration on AVI data
KYW Newsradio: City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Fined For Ethics Violations
Phillynow.com: Vote Rigging Bill Mirrored in Pennsylvania Denied in Virginia
Heard in the Hall: Weekend Edition
WHYY Newsworks: States submit mental health records for national gun background check database – will it matter
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia Councilwoman admits tapping campaign funds for personal use

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown mulls request to extend business tax break
Delco Daily Times: $418 PA pension shortfall looms over school, state budgets
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro tags fixing infrastructure as main goal for 2013
Bucks Local News: ‘No Budget, No Pay’ legislation passes U.S. House, Bucks County Congressman extolls bipartisan passage
Bucks Local News: Political or a cost savings move? In a party line vote, Northampton Township Supervisors hire new labor counsel
Daily Local News: Trial starts in disputed campaign letter case

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Former President George W. Bush to appear at Pittsburgh gas conference
Tribune Review: Wolf ‘likely’ to challenge Corbett
Tribune Review: Melvin jury dismissed, Pavlot’s testimony will continue tomorrow
Tribune Review: Railroad files second lawsuit over planned Strip District development
Tribune Review: Dok Harris to run for City Council
Tribune Review: Budget battle lines drawn in Harrisburg t
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania pension reforms badly needed, panel says
Tribune Review: State denies eight cyber charter school applications
Tribune Review: Embattled Pittsburgh police chief returns to work
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh police chief Harper returns to work as grand jury continues
Post-Gazette: Senate panel wants Penn State NCAA fine funds to stay in Pennsylvania
Post-Gazette: Corbett’s budget proposal to require public-employee pension savings
Post-Gazette: Ex-chief of staff for Jane Orie takes stand in corruption trial of Justice Joan Orie Melvin
Post-Gazette: Pa. education secretary denies all eight applications for new cyber charter schools
Early Returns: Toomey in town; mayoral forum
Early Returns: Dok Harris challenges Lavelle
Early Returns: Toomey gets industry accolade
Early Returns: Corbett among DGA ad targets

Southwest
AP: Pa. denies proposals for 8 cyber charter schools
AP: Pa. budget chief says pension reforms essential
AP: Court to weigh secrecy of Pa. Turnpike lawyers
AP: 2 Pa. reps want to restores PSU scholarships

NEPA
Times Leader: NEPA unemployment inches up slightly
AP: Ex-Sen. Orie’s (R-Allegheny) former chief of staff to testify against Justice Orie Melvin (R-Allegheny)
AP: Energy renaissance: landowners to make billions from shale
Times-Tribune: Courtright announces bid for Scraton mayor
Times-Tribune: Two new leaders at Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce
Times-Tribune: Not my authority!: Scranton authority member pans sale of assets
Citizens Voice: Part-time police officers step up to serve local municipalities

Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania Ave: Bucks man accused of pursuing sex with girl, 14, he met at McDonald’s
Pennsylvania Ave: Congressman Lou Barletta opposes emerging immigration plan
Pennsylvania Ave: Bethlehem Councilman DiGiacinto declares run for controller
Reading Eagle: Parking-ticket lawsuit moved to federal court
Reading Eagle: Keeping lid on lawsuits carries big price tag for Reading
Reading Eagle: Fleetwood student takes post in state organization
WFMZ: Geoff Brace plans to run for Lehigh Co. commissioner
Express Times: Congress passes $50.5 billion Superstorm Sandy relief bill
Express Times: New Northampton Community College dorms get initial OK in Bethlehem Township, Pa.
Express Times: J. William Reynolds names mayoral campaign manager
Express Times: Stephen Melnick to run for Bethlehem City Council
Express Times: Former Lehigh County Commissioner Chairman Dean Browning running for county executive
Express Times: Bethlehem City Councilman David DiGiacinto announces city controller bid

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Elected officials, business leaders mingle at Chamber-sponsored mixer
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle tax collector’s marijuana trial continued until March
Patriot News: PA Budget Secretary dubs 2013 the “Year of Pension Reform”
Patriot News: PA Senate wants Penn State fines kept in PA
Patriot News: Harrisburg triples late tax penalty
Patriot News: Central Dauphin School Board approves hiring armed school resource officer
York Daily Record: Rep. Perry (R-York): time right for immigration reform
Lebanon Daily News: Rep. Dent (R-Lehigh) goes to Annville

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘13 Blog: Bizzarro to present award to Miss Pa.
Centre Daily Times: Two Pennsylvania congressmen ask NCAA to end scholarship reductions
Centre Daily Times: State College Area teachers’ contract up for consideration by school board
Centre Daily Times: Senate nears vote on $50.5B bill for Sandy victims
Centre Daily Times: Students at Pa. school must ask for toilet paper
Williamsport Sun Gazette: LEGISLATIVE TALLY
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Homeowners’ attempt to thaw water pipes leads to trailer fire

Opinions
Tribune Review: Joe Conti’s deal: Yech!
Post-Gazette: Second chance: The president plans a move on immigration reform
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: We’re number 2 in gambling: not a reason to cheer

Who Are PA’s Best Party Chairs?

PA CountiesIt takes a special breed of person to be a successful county party chair. They must be savvy and hard-working, good at fundraising, and skillful diplomats, too.

Some are activists, some fundraisers, and still others are behind-the-scenes players. Some are working to build a strong party organization where there hasn’t been one before.

We want to hear from you: who are the best of the best? We’re looking for Republicans and Democrats who get the job done.

Submit your suggestions to Sy Snyder here, or in the comments section below. Naturally, submissions are anonymous.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our 2011 list here.

Murphy Not Running for Gov

Patrick Murphy portrait loresPatrick Murphy is a veteran and former Congressman, but he won’t be a candidate for Governor in 2014.

The Bucks County Democrat dismissed rumors that have circulated recently in some Pa. Democratic circles.

It’s “absolutely not happening,” he said.

Murphy represented the 8th district in Congress from 2007 to 2011 and ran for Pa. Attorney General last year. He served in Iraq from 2003-2004 as a JAG Corps attorney with the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division.

He’s presently a partner at the firm Fox Rothschild.

Only two Democrats – former Dep’t. Of Environmental Protection Scretary John Hanger and Cumberland County pastor Max Meyers – have officially announced a bid against Gov. Tom Corbett.

Several others are officially or at least rumored to be considering a run, including Pa. Treasurer Rob McCord, former Congressman Joe Sestak, Former Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper, State Sens. Tim Solobay and Mike Stack, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawolski, businessmen Tom Knox and Tom Wolf and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.

Republican Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor has also been floating his name.

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